The pain at the pump is getting a little lighter. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. For the fourth consecutive week, the nation’s average price of gasoline dropped, falling 11.3 cents from a week ago to $3.55 per gallon. The national average is down 29.9 cents from a month ago and 30.9 cents per gallon lower than a …
Generic Vs. Brand Names in Groceries
What’s in a name? That depends when it comes to groceries. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/couple-shopping-groceries-supermarket-1606526392Most consumers appear to prefer brand-name beverages over generic or store-brand beverages. That’s according to the September 2023 Consumer Food Insights Report. The Purdue University College of Agriculture report further indicates that consumers make this choice even when presented with a …
Food Price Inflation Easing Down
Food price inflation is easing down into so-called “normal” levels. Gary Crawford has more in today’s This Land of Ours report. The new Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that during September, prices for all items in the economy rose two-tenths of 1 percent, putting the inflation rate 3.7 percent higher than this time a year ago. However, for food at …
Dairy Checkoff’s Pizza Partnerships Growing Cheese Sales
Increasing cheese sales through pizza. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. A new dairy checkoff growth program with pizza partners is expected to drive a lot of additional cheese use during the rest of 2023. Paul Ziemnisky is Group EVP of Health and Wellness, Insights, and Innovation with Dairy Management Inc (DMI). He says the bulk of the …
Delivery Innovation Could Reduce Hunger
An innovative way to reduce hunger in rural areas. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Delivery of food may be the way to increase access in rural America, according to a recent report by CoBank. While roughly one in ten Americans faces food insecurity, rural communities are particularly affected. Rural communities comprise 63 percent of all U.S. counties …
National Dairy Herd Information Scholarship Applications Open
A scholarship opportunity for veterinary students. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA)announced it is accepting applications for $1,500 scholarships. They’ll go to third- or fourth-year College of Veterinary Medicine students. Applicants must be enrolled at a college that’s accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. To apply for …
A Pilot to Improve Ag Workforce
A new USDA pilot program has grant funding now available for ag employees needing resources to address various farm labor and workforce challenges. Rod Bain has more in today’s This Land of Ours report. The Ag sector in recent years has faced several challenges regarding its workforce. “How to add Employer Support and create a safe and healthy work environment. …
Virginia Tech Study on Farming Productivity
One of the many regions of the world suffering a reduction in agricultural productivity is Sub-Saharan Africa. Gary Crawford has more coming up in today’s This Land of Ours report. A new report, the GAP Report, this year titled “Every Farmer, Every Tool,”from Virginia Tech University is sounding a warning that global growth in agricultural productivity is falling. The report’s …
New Crop Insurance Program for Controlled Environments
There’s a new crop insurance program, for a different kind of agriculture. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA is announcing a new crop insurance program designed for agricultural producers using controlled environments in their operations. The new Controlled Environment Program from the Risk Management Agency is specifically for plants grown in fully enclosed environments and provides …
Farm Real Estate Market Holding Steady
The farm real estate market is holding steady. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. As combines roll into fields this fall, there is a renewed sense of optimism when looking at the real estate market. The current state of the ag land market is resilient, and the demand for high-quality farmland remains strong in the face of higher …